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Whooping cough cases rise in Fraser Health

More than 255 cases of whooping cough have now been confirmed in the Fraser Health region since an outbreak began in early December.

Health officials say 45 new cases have been detected since the beginning of March, although the actual numbers of people being infected is likely much higher.

Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Paul Van Buynder is continuing to urge adults to get a free vaccination against the pertussis (whooping cough) bacteria, to reduce the spread of the highly contagious infection to young children, who are most vulnerable.

More than 30,000 vaccine doses have been distributed to pharmacies and doctors' offices, he said, but added it appears the disease is still circulating.

The outbreak started in the eastern Fraser Valley but recent cases have been reported in almost all communities in the Fraser Health region

"We continue to see new cases and urge anyone who has or expects to have contact with infants and young children to get vaccinated," Van Buynder said.

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